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September 24, 2025
Citrus High School Launches Hands-On Welding Program to Prepare Students for Skilled Trades
Written by Student writer: Delaney Laurence
Citrus High School has introduced an innovative new program designed to equip students with practical, hands-on experience in the welding industry. The initiative focuses on foundational welding techniques and emphasizes their application in real-world settings.
By combining classroom instruction with experiential learning, the program offers students a valuable opportunity to develop essential trade skills that are highly sought after in today’s job market. Upon completion, students will not only gain a solid understanding of welding principles but also improve their employability in the skilled trades sector after graduation.
When asked how the technology help you enhance your skills, 10th grader Braelon Retzer answered, “It helps us understand how the welding tools work in real life and it gives us a true understanding of what we have to look forward to.”
Giving students more opportunities to get a head start on their career is the goal at CHS.
From the Classroom to the Clinic: HOSA Prepares Students for the Medical Field
By Izabel Clemens – Lecanto High School – 12th grade
Lecanto- Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) offers over 60 competitive events, each one specific to a medical region (eg. Pharmacology, Nutrition, Creative Problem Solving). HOSA’s mission is to drive students to become leaders in the global health community and promote career opportunities in healthcare.
Lecanto High School this year had a HOSA Bowl team and Biomedical Debate team advance to the statewide competition in their events placing 1st and 3rd at Regionals. Unfortunately, both teams did not place high enough to proceed to Nationals. This year's members have taken steps towards having more people advance past Regionals by every Friday dedicating one hour to their event in preparation for exams in October. “The best part about it is that every year you can do a different event or do better in the same one.” (Campbell, Ryan) showing the room to explore a variety of healthcare jobs in the program.
Mr. Campbell, Lecanto Biology teacher, has taken the opportunity to dive more into the realistic aspects to fulfill the main goal of HOSA. Shortly after 2025 Regionals, members of Lecanto HOSA traveled to HCA Hospital and spent a day there. The goal was to “gain a real-world experience and make connections where when they become a doctor, they already know someone there,” according to Mr. Campbell, prepping the members in areas students usually have a challenging time progressing in.
Through the club, many students were able to have a concept of what their dream job requirements were, what they were expected to do, and make relationships with healthcare professionals. Mikael Sasser, senior at Lecanto High, states “through HOSA I was able to shadow a Physical Therapist over the summer at AdventHealth leading me to know that I want to do private practice.” emphasizing how the program continues to help out their members outside of competitions and into real-world scenarios they might encounter.
HOSA is more than rivalries among other schools; the club is a community dedicated to educating students about the medical field and vast number of jobs inside while setting them up with relations they will have years from now.
The Benefits of Playing Sports and Participating in Activities During High School
High school is a pivotal time in a young person’s life, where they begin to transition from adolescence into adulthood. The decisions they make, the skills they develop, and the experiences they have can shape their futures in profound ways. One of the most impactful choices high school students can make is to get involved in sports or extracurricular activities. Whether it’s joining a sports team, taking part in a club, or volunteering in the community, participating in such activities offers a wide range of benefits that help students grow into responsible, motivated, and capable adults.
Engaging in sports or extracurricular activities teaches students how to be responsible in a structured environment. They learn to commit to practices, adhere to schedules, and manage their own progress. As athletes, for example, students are accountable not only for their personal performance but also for contributing to the team’s success. In non-athletic activities, responsibilities might include managing projects, attending meetings, or supporting others in leadership roles. Learning how to juggle these responsibilities at a young age helps lay the foundation for adult obligations, from work to family life.
In sports and extracurricular activities, effort and dedication are key to success. Whether a student is training for a sport or working on a project, the process requires perseverance, hard work, and consistency. High school students learn that success doesn’t come easily—it requires discipline, focus, and an ability to overcome challenges. These skills translate directly into adulthood, where work ethic is often the deciding factor in career advancement, achieving personal goals, and maintaining long-term success.
High school students have a limited amount of time in their day, and balancing academics with sports or other activities requires strong time management skills. They learn how to prioritize, plan, and balance multiple commitments effectively. Students involved in sports typically have to coordinate practices, games, homework, and social activities. The ability to plan ahead, stay organized, and meet deadlines is an invaluable skill that will benefit them throughout their lives. In adulthood, these time management skills are crucial for handling work, personal responsibilities, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Sports and activities foster a sense of accountability to oneself and to others. On a team, athletes must be accountable to their teammates and coaches, while also holding themselves to high standards. This type of accountability extends beyond the field, as students must take ownership of their actions and decisions in every aspect of their lives. Whether a student wins or loses a game, they learn to take responsibility for their performance. In adult life, being accountable is essential for professional success, maintaining relationships, and managing personal well-being.
Participating in sports and activities provides an excellent opportunity for students to develop social skills. They learn how to communicate effectively, collaborate with others, resolve conflicts, and build meaningful relationships. Whether through team sports or group projects, students gain experience in working as part of a team, listening to others, and offering support. These social skills are vital as they transition into adulthood, where networking, teamwork, and interpersonal relationships play a significant role in both personal and professional success.
In sports, students are constantly setting and achieving goals, whether it’s improving their personal best, winning a game, or achieving a championship. This process teaches them the importance of setting clear, measurable goals and working toward them with determination and focus. These skills are transferable to all aspects of life. Whether it's in academics, career, or personal pursuits, the ability to set realistic goals and break them down into manageable steps is crucial for long-term success and personal growth.
Leadership is often developed in extracurricular activities, especially in sports. Students may find themselves taking on leadership roles, such as team captain or club president, where they learn how to motivate others, make decisions, and handle challenges. Leadership in high school helps students develop confidence, communication skills, and the ability to make tough decisions under pressure. These qualities are essential in adulthood, where effective leadership is needed in the workplace, at home, and in the community.
Sports teams and extracurricular activities often involve a sense of community—both within the school and the broader local area. By participating in these activities, students become more involved in their communities, developing a sense of belonging and civic responsibility. Many activities encourage volunteerism, charity work, and outreach programs, all of which help students build empathy, compassion, and a desire to contribute to the greater good. This sense of community involvement helps students develop a well-rounded perspective on life and prepares them to become responsible citizens in adulthood.
The combination of the skills developed through sports and extracurricular activities creates a strong foundation for adulthood. Students who participate in these activities develop a greater sense of self-discipline, a work ethic that drives them to succeed, and the ability to manage their time, resources, and relationships. These are all critical skills for thriving in the adult world, whether in higher education, careers, or personal life. Participation in extracurricular activities teaches young people how to balance competing priorities, manage stress, and maintain focus on long-term goals—skills that will benefit them throughout their adult lives.
The benefits of playing sports or participating in extracurricular activities during high school extend far beyond the enjoyment of the activity itself. These experiences provide students with invaluable life skills such as responsibility, time management, accountability, social skills, and leadership. Through these activities, high school students learn to set goals, work hard, and contribute to their communities, all while building the foundation for a successful and fulfilling adulthood. By encouraging students to get involved in extracurricular activities, high schools are not only promoting physical fitness and creativity but also preparing young people to navigate the challenges of the future with confidence, determination, and purpose.